Blondies: Clapton’s Newly Opened Cocktail Dive Bar

Blondies is a new cocktail bar and events space recently opened on Lower Clapton Road on what was a former money shop, alleyway and possible WW2 bomb target.

Working with the building’s character, sisters Verity and Sharmaine Cox transformed the existing surrounds from top to bottom, reusing some of the original materials coupled with the bright coloured neons, to create an intimate surrounding for their off-the-beaten-track hangout.

An erroneous fireplace, doors that lead to nowhere and exposed brickwork point towards its colourful history.

The refined cocktail menu of classics honours blonde icons: an Old Fashioned for Suzie Q, a Dark and Stormy for Patricia Arquette, Strawberry Daiquiri for Dolly Parton, and an espresso martini named after the most influential blonde of all– the Coxes’ mother, Brenda.

The sisters explore more experimental territory with their cocktail of the week, and are serving mulled cider for a special winter treat.

During the summer film screenings are planned in the garden area along with exhibitions and workshops.